Container Assembly for Shipping a Product and Method of Forming the same

ABSTRACT

A container assembly is provided. The assembly includes a carrier portion including a plurality of side walls and a bottom wall, wherein the side walls and the bottom wall at least partially define a cavity of the carrier portion. The assembly also includes an internal divider insert including two opposing side edges, fold lines that define minor divider panels, and a cut line defined in at least one of the minor divider panels to define a securing tab positioned between the two side edges. The minor divider panels are folded along the fold lines such that the securing tab moves outward from the cut line, and wherein the internal divider insert is positionable within the cavity of the carrier portion such that a carton insertion slot is at least partially defined by the securing tab and at least one side wall of the carrier portion.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/155,969 filed May 1, 2015, entitled “CONTAINER ASSEMBLY WITH ANINTERNAL DIVIDER AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME”, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The field of the present disclosure relates generally to packagingcontainers for shipping a product and, more particularly, to a containerassembly for storing and transporting one or more units oftemperature-sensitive products.

Containers are frequently utilized to store and aid in transportingproducts. These containers can be square, hexagonal, or octagonal, forexample. At least some known products stored or transported in thecontainers require temperature-controlled environments to preventspoliation of the products during transportation and delivery of theproducts to a consumer. In particular, at least some pharmaceuticalproducts may be required to be maintained in a temperature-controlledenvironment even during shipment of the products to a consumer. In atleast some cases, such pharmaceutical products that require atemperature-controlled environment are shipped in several large,multi-layered containers. These known containers are generally bulky andheavy, which increases shipping costs and makes it difficult forpatients to carry and gain access to the pharmaceutical products.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, a blank assembly is provided. The assembly includes afirst blank for forming a carrier portion. The first blank includes aplurality of side panels for forming side walls of the carrier portion,the plurality of side panels including at least a first, second, third,and fourth side panel, and a joining tab, wherein the plurality of sidepanels at least partially define a cavity of the carrier portion. Theassembly also includes a second blank for forming an internal dividerinsert. The second blank includes two opposing side edges, a pluralityof fold lines that define a plurality of minor divider panels, and a cutline defined in at least one of the minor divider panels to define asecuring tab positioned between the two side edges. The plurality ofminor divider panels are configured to fold about the plurality of foldlines such that the securing tab moves outward from the cut line. Whenformed, the internal divider insert is positionable within the cavity ofthe carrier portion such that a carton insertion slot is at leastpartially defined by the securing tab and at least one side wall of thecarrier portion.

In another aspect, a container assembly formed from a plurality ofblanks of sheet material is provided. The assembly includes a carrierportion including a plurality of side walls and a bottom wall, whereinthe plurality of side walls and the bottom wall at least partiallydefine a cavity of the carrier portion. The assembly also includes aninternal divider insert including two opposing side edges, a pluralityof fold lines that define a plurality of minor divider panels, and a cutline defined in at least one of the minor divider panels to define asecuring tab positioned between the two side edges. The plurality ofminor divider panels are folded along the plurality of fold lines suchthat the securing tab moves outward from the cut line, and wherein theinternal divider insert is positionable within the cavity of the carrierportion such that a carton insertion slot is at least partially definedby the securing tab and at least one side wall of the carrier portion.

In another aspect, a container assembly formed from a plurality ofblanks of sheet material is provided. The container assembly includes acarrier portion including a plurality of side walls and a bottom wall,wherein the plurality of side walls and the bottom wall at leastpartially define a cavity of the carrier portion. The assembly alsoincludes a shipping container portion including a plurality of sidewalls and a bottom wall, wherein the plurality of side walls and thebottom wall at least partially define a cavity of the shipping containerportion. The shipping container portion also includes a plurality ofthermal insulation panels positioned within the cavity of the shippingcontainer portion, the plurality of thermal insulation panels defining athermally insulating cavity sized to receive the carrier portion.

In yet another aspect, a method of forming a container assembly from aplurality of blanks of sheet material is provided. The method includesforming a carrier portion that includes a plurality of side panels forforming side walls of the carrier portion. The plurality of side panelsinclude at least a first, second, third, and fourth side panel, and ajoining tab, wherein the plurality of side panels at least partiallydefine a cavity of the carrier portion. The method also includes formingan internal divider insert that includes two opposing side edges, aplurality of fold lines that define a plurality of minor divider panels,and a cut line defined in at least one of the minor divider panels todefine a securing tab positioned between the two side edges. Theplurality of minor divider panels are folded along the plurality of foldlines such that the securing tab moves outward from the cut line. Themethod also includes positioning the internal divider insert within thecavity of the carrier portion such that a carton insertion slot is atleast partially defined by the securing tab and at least one side wallof the carrier portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a first blank of sheet material for forminga carrier portion of an example container assembly.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the carrier portion formed from thefirst blank of sheet material shown in FIG. 1 in a shipping position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the carrier portion formed from thefirst blank of sheet material shown in FIG. 1 in a carrying position.

FIG. 4 is an alternative perspective view of the carrier portion formedfrom the first blank of sheet material shown in FIG. 1 in the carryingposition.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a second blank of sheet material forforming a internal divider insert that may be used with the containerassembly.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the internal divider insert formed fromthe second blank of sheet material shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example carrier assembly includingthe internal divider insert shown in FIG. 6 positioned within thecarrier portion shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is an alternative view of the carrier assembly shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the carrierassembly shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an alternative enlarged perspective view of a portion of thecarrier assembly shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the carrier assembly shown in FIG. 7including example cartons loaded therein.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of an example container assembly formed atleast from the blanks shown in FIGS. 1 and 5.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example series of process steps for assemblingthe container assembly shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a second blank of sheet material forforming another carrier portion of an example container assembly.

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a third blank of sheet material forforming another carrier portion of an example container assembly.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an example patient environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description illustrates the disclosure by way ofexample and not by way of limitation. The description enables oneskilled in the art to make and use the disclosure, describes severalembodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and use of thedisclosure, including what is presently believed to be the best mode ofcarrying out the disclosure.

A container assembly and blanks for constructing the same are describedherein. More specifically, a container assembly, that may include aninternal divider insert, and methods for forming the same are describedherein. As described herein, the container assembly may include multipleembodiments. The resulting container is portable, provides shippingstability for products transported therein, and provides an efficientway to transport temperature-sensitive products. In addition, asdescribed in greater detail below, the resulting container, which may beused to transport pharmaceutical products, also provides an adherencetracking system that enables a patient to track and manage the dates andtimes of taking the pharmaceutical products shipped in the container. Itwill also be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by theteachings herein provided that the invention is likewise applicable toany storage container including, without limitation, a carton, a tray, abox, or a bin.

In one embodiment, the container assembly may be fabricated using atleast one of a corrugated board and paperboard material. The containerassembly, however, may be fabricated using any suitable material, andtherefore is not limited to a specific type of material. In alternativeembodiments, the container assembly is fabricated using cardboard,plastic, and/or any suitable material known to those skilled in the artand guided by the teachings herein provided.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a container assembly thatfacilitates storing and/or transporting temperature-sensitive products,such as pharmaceutical products, such as a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)inhibiting anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., adadalimumab). Morespecifically, the container assembly includes a thermally insulatedshipping container portion, a carrier portion sized for insertion withinthe shipping container portion, and, in some embodiments, an internaldivider insert positionable within the carrier portion. The internaldivider insert facilitates partitioning an internal cavity of thecarrier portion into multiple carton insertion slots. Each cartoninsertion slot is sized to receive a single carton, which contains oneor more doses of a pharmaceutical product, for example. As such,partitioning the internal cavity of the carrier portion with theinternal divider insert enables a supplier to select the number of unitsto deliver to a patient in a single shipment while ensuring the unitsare secure within the carrier portion even though it may not be at fullcapacity. Moreover, once delivered, the carrier portion is easilyportable and capable of being transferred directly from the shippingcontainer portion to a refrigeration unit without having to remove theindividual units from the carrier portion. In one embodiment, one ormore side walls of the carrier portion may provide a location for anadherence tracking system, which may be configured to allow a patient tomonitor and/or track a drug regimen (i.e., a time, a date, and/or adosage amount taken). As described below, the adherence tracking systemmay be configured to communicate with a server system via a remotecomputing device, wherein the remote computing device includes a patientapplication stored thereon for enabling transmission of patientadherence data to the server system for storage and/or processing.

In another embodiment, the container assembly includes the thermallyinsulated shipping container portion and the carrier portion sized forinsertion with the shipping container portion. However, in thisembodiment, the container assembly does not include the internal dividerinsert. Rather, the carrier portion is sized to receive a singlecontainer of the pharmaceutical product. Thus, in this embodiment, thecarrier portion is smaller than the other embodiment where the carrierportion is sized to receive the internal divider insert and up to threecartons of the product. Of course, the carrier portion could be sized toreceive one or more cartons without the internal divider insert receivedtherein.

In one embodiment, the container assembly and/or blanks may include atleast one marking thereon including, without limitation, indicia thatcommunicates the product, a manufacturer of the product, and/or a sellerof the product. For example, the marking may include printed text thatindicates a product's name and briefly describes the product, logosand/or trademarks that indicate a manufacturer and/or seller of theproduct, and/or designs and/or ornamentation that attract attention. Inanother embodiment, the container assembly is void of markings, such as,without limitation, indicia that communicates the product, amanufacturer of the product, and/or a seller of the product.Furthermore, the container assembly may have any suitable size, shape,and/or configuration (i.e., number of sides), whether such sizes,shapes, and/or configurations are described and/or illustrated herein.For example, in one embodiment, the container assembly includes a shapethat provides functionality, such as a shape that facilitatestransporting the container and/or a shape that facilitates stackingand/or arranging a plurality of containers.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a top plan (exterior) view of afirst blank 10 of sheet material for forming a carrier portion of anexample container assembly. In the example embodiment, first blank 10has a first or exterior surface 12, and an opposing second or interiorsurface 14. Further, first blank 10 defines a leading edge 16 and anopposing trailing edge 18. Moreover, first blank 10 includes, fromleading edge 16 to trailing edge 18, a joining tab 20, a first majorside panel 22, a first minor side panel 24, a second major side panel26, and a second minor side panel 28 coupled together along preformed,generally parallel fold lines 30, 32, 34, and 36, respectively. Majorside panels 22 and 26 have a first width W₁, and minor side panels 24and 28 have a second width W₂ less than first width W₁. However, itshould be understood that the plurality of side panels can each have anysuitable size, shape, and/or configuration that enables blank 10 and/orthe carrier portion to function as described herein. Additionally,although major side panels 22 and 26 and minor side panels 24 and 28 arespecifically referred to herein, it should be noted that major sidepanels 22 and 26 or minor side panels 24 and 28 can also be referred toas end panels or side walls.

First major side panel 22 extends from joining tab 20 along fold line30, first minor side panel 24 extends from first major side panel 22along fold line 32, second major side panel 26 extends from first minorside panel 24 along fold lines 34, and second minor side panel 28extends from second major side panel 26 along fold line 36. Fold lines30, 32, 34, and 36 as well as other fold lines and/or hinge linesdescribed herein, may include any suitable line of weakness and/or lineof separation known to those skilled in the art and guided by theteachings herein provided.

First blank 10 includes a plurality of bottom panels and/or bottom flapsfor forming a bottom wall of the carrier portion. For example, firstmajor side panel 22 has a first bottom panel 38 extending therefromalong a fold line 40, first minor side panel 24 has a first bottom flap42 extending therefrom along a fold line 44, second major side panel 26has a second bottom panel 46 extending therefrom along a fold line 48,and second minor side panel 28 has a second bottom flap 50 extendingtherefrom along a fold line 52.

First blank 10 also includes a plurality of top panels and/or top flapsfor forming a top wall of the carrier portion. For example, first majorside panel 22 has a first top panel 54 extending therefrom along a foldline 56, first minor side panel 24 has a first top flap 58 extendingtherefrom along a fold line 60, second major side panel 26 has a secondtop panel 62 extending therefrom along a fold line 64, and second minorside panel 28 has a second top flap 66 extending therefrom along a foldline 68. Moreover, in one embodiment, first top panel 54 has a firsthandle panel 70 extending therefrom along a fold line 72, and second toppanel 62 has a second handle panel 74 extending therefrom along a foldline 76. First handle panel 70 includes a handle cutout 78, and secondhandle panel 74 has a handle flap 80 defined therein by a partial cutline 82. As such, handle flap 80 remains coupled to second handle panel74 along a fold line 84. One or more portions of handle panels 70 and 74defining the respective cutouts may include features such as contours,grooves, and/or padding (e.g., gel-based, foam, or plastic) configuredto provide a gripping surface.

In the example embodiment, first bottom panel 38 has a free edge 86 thatdefines a first locking tab 88, and second bottom panel 46 has a freeedge 90 that defines a second locking tab 92. First and second lockingtabs 88 and 92 facilitate forming an automatic bottom locking mechanism,which enables the container to be placed in a knocked-down flat positionwhen bottom panels 38 and 46 move inside the cavity. More specifically,free edge 86 has a first angled edge portion 94, a first horizontalportion 96, and a second angled edge portion 98 that define a firstlocking notch 100. Similarly, free edge 90 has a third angled edgeportion 102, a second horizontal portion 104, and a fourth angled edgeportion 106 that define a second locking notch 108. As such, firstlocking tab 88 is sized for insertion within second locking notch 108,and second locking tab 92 is sized for insertion within first lockingnotch 100 when forming the bottom wall of the carrier portion.Alternatively, free edges 86 and 90 have any suitable configuration thatenables blank 10 to function as described herein.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carrier portion 200 of the examplecontainer assembly formed from first blank 10 of sheet material (shownin FIG. 1) in a shipping or erected position. In the example embodiment,carrier portion 200 has a first side wall 202, a second side wall 204, athird side wall 206, a fourth side wall 208, a bottom wall 210, and atop wall 212. Each of walls 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, and 212 define aninterior cavity 214 (shown in FIG. 7) within carrier portion 200.

Carrier portion 200 is formed by folding first blank 10 along foldlines, perforation lines, and/or score lines. Specifically, side walls202, 204, 206, and 208 are formed by rotating side panels 22, 24, 26,and 28 about fold lines 30, 32, 34, and 36. Joining tab 20 is thencoupled to second minor side panel 28. Bottom wall 210 is formed byrotating bottom flaps 42 and 50 inwardly about fold lines 44 and 52,respectively, until bottom flaps 42 and 50 are substantiallyperpendicular to minor side panels 24 and 28. Bottom panels 38 and 46are then rotated inwardly about fold lines 40 and 48, respectively, suchthat interior surfaces of bottom panels 38 and 46 couple to exteriorsurfaces 12 of bottom flaps 42 and 50. Moreover, first locking tab 88 isinserted within second locking notch 108, and second locking tab 92 isinserted within first locking notch 100 to form the bottom lockingmechanism as bottom panels 38 and 46 are rotated inwardly.

Top wall 212 is formed by rotating top flaps 58 and 66 inwardly aboutfold lines 60 and 68, respectively, until top flaps 58 and 66 aresubstantially perpendicular to minor side panels 24 and 28. Top panels54 and 62 are then rotated inwardly about fold lines 56 and 64,respectively, such that interior surfaces 14 of top panels 54 and 62couple to exterior surfaces 12 of top flaps 58 and 66. Morespecifically, first top panel 54 is folded over second top panel 62 suchthat first handle panel 70 couples to second top panel 62. In oneembodiment, first handle panel 70 is removably coupled to second toppanel 62, e.g., with an adhesive and/or a hook and loop configuration toensure carrier portion 200 remains in the shipping position duringtransport.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of carrier portion 200 of the examplecontainer assembly in a carrying position, and FIG. 4 is an alternativeperspective view of carrier portion 200 in the carrying position. In theexample embodiment, top panels 54 and 62 are rotated outwardly aboutfold lines 56 and 64, respectively. Second handle panel 74 is thenrotated outwardly about fold line 76 such that second handle panel 74couples to first handle panel 70 forming a handle 216 for the carrierportion. Handle 216 is further formed by rotating handle flap 80 aboutfold line 84, and inserting handle flap 80 within handle cutout 78. Assuch, handle flap 80 couples to exterior surface 12 of first handlepanel 70 to ensure first and second handle panels 70 and 74 remaincoupled to each other in the carrying position.

In some embodiments, shipping container portion 602 (shown in FIG. 12)may container carrier portion 200, which may contain one or more of thesame or different cartons of a pharmaceutical product (i.e., amedication). The medication may be intended for taking by a patient, andmay be in any suitable form (e.g., pills, injectable liquid, transdermalpatches, etc) and housed in any suitable vessels (e.g., vials, bottles,injectors, syringes, etc). As such, in one embodiment, a patientenvironment facilitates ensuring patient compliance with a treatmentregimen. The patient environment may include a patient monitoring systemthat includes a remote device (i.e., a smart phone, a tablet, a wearabledevice, or a laptop), a patient application on the remote device, and aserver system having a memory and a processor. Moreover, referring toFIG. 4, the patient environment includes a patient adherence system 218associated with carrier portion 200. Patient adherence system 218 mayinclude one or more markings containing identifying data associated witheach medication dose. In one embodiment, the marking is a scannablemarking such as, but not limited to, a quick response (QR) code and/or abar code. In operation, the patient scans, with the remote device, thescannable marking associated with a medication dose that has beenadministered. The QR code or the bar code contains data, such as thetype of medication taken, or a lot or batch number of the medicationtaken. Once the scannable marking has been scanned, the patientapplication transmits the data associated with the scannable marking tothe server system. In one embodiment, the patient application transmitsadditional information with the data, such as a time stamp of when theQR code or bar code was scanned (i.e., when the medication was taken).The combined data may then be stored or processed in the server system,and can be used to schedule reminders for the patient to administerfuture doses of the medication. For example, in one embodiment, thereminders are sent to the patient via the patient application.

In another embodiment, the patient can take a picture of an identifyingmarking associated with the medication dose that has been taken, and thepicture can be transmitted to the server system via the patientapplication on the remote device. Alternatively, the patient applicationcan have a user interface that enables the patient to manually inputidentifying information associated with the medication dose that hasbeen taken. The identifying information can then be transmitted to theserver system.

Referring again to FIG. 4, in the example embodiment, patient adherencesystem 218 includes a label/marking 220 on exterior surface 12 of sidewall 204 to facilitate providing reminders to the patient whenlabel/marking 220 is in view. More specifically, patient adherencesystem 218 is positioned such that label/marking 220 is easily viewablewhile carrier portion 200 is in storage within the patient'srefrigerator, for example. Label/marking 220 can take many forms tofacilitate patient compliance with a treatment regimen, as will bedescribed in more detail below. For example, in one embodiment,label/marking 220 provides an area for a patient to manually recorddates in which medication doses have been administered. In anotherembodiment, label/marking 220 is embodied as a calendar, which enables apatient to manually mark dates in which medication doses have beenadministered. Alternatively, label/marking 220 includes preformedpunchout portions (not shown) in side wall 204. More specifically, thepunchout portions are selectively removable from side wall 204 and maybe associated with the calendar to track when medication doses have beenadministered. In another embodiment, patient adherence system 218includes a transferable label (not shown) associated with eachmedication dose. The transferable label is selectively removable fromthe packaging of each medication dose for application to side wall 204.As such, the transferable label is easily viewable on exterior surface12 of carrier portion 200.

It should be understood that while discussed as standalone embodiments,features of the patient computing environment described above can beused either alone, or in combination, to facilitate monitoring patientcompliance with a treatment regimen.

FIG. 5 is a top plan (exterior) view of a second blank 300 of sheetmaterial for forming an internal divider insert that may be used withthe example container assembly. In the example embodiment, second blank300 has a first or exterior surface 312, and an opposing second orinterior surface 314. Further, second blank 300 defines a first side orleading edge 316 and an opposing side or trailing edge 318. Moreover,second blank 300 has, from leading edge 316 to trailing edge 318, afirst minor divider panel 320, a second minor divider panel 322, a thirdminor divider panel 324, a fourth minor divider panel 326, and a fifthminor divider panel 328 coupled together along preformed, generallyparallel fold lines 330, 332, 334, and 336, respectively. First andfifth minor divider panels 320 and 328 have a third width W₃, thirdminor divider panel 324 has a fourth width W₄ greater than or equal tothird width W₃, and second and fourth minor divider panels 322 and 326have a fifth width W₅ greater than fourth with W₄. However, it should beunderstood that the plurality of minor divider panels can each have anysuitable size, shape, and/or configuration that enables blank 300 and/orthe internal divider insert to function as described herein. Moreover,alternatively, second blank 300 can include any number of minor dividerpanels that enables the internal divider insert to function as describedherein.

Second minor divider panel 322 extends from first minor divider panel320 along fold line 330, third minor divider panel 324 extends fromsecond minor divider panel 322 along fold line 332, fourth minor dividerpanel 326 extends from third minor divider panel 324 along fold line334, and fifth minor divider panel 328 extends from fourth minor dividerpanel 326 along fold line 336. Fold lines 330, 332, 334, and 336 as wellas other fold lines and/or hinge lines described herein, may include anysuitable line of weakness and/or line of separation known to thoseskilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided.

In the example embodiment, a first cut line 338 is defined in secondminor divider panel 322 to define a first securing tab 340 that extendsfrom a first edge 342 of third minor divider panel 324, and a second cutline 344 is defined in fourth minor divider panel 326 to define a secondsecuring tab 346 that extends from an opposing second edge 348 of thirdminor divider panel 324. First securing tab 340 has a first side edge352, and second securing tab 346 has a second side edge 354. Firstsecuring tab 340 is positioned a first distance from a top edge 350 ofsecond blank 300, and second securing tab 346 is positioned a greatersecond distance from top edge 350 than first securing tab 340. Moreover,first and second securing tabs 340 and 346 have a length L₁substantially equal to width W₃ of first and fifth minor divider panels320 and 328. As will be described in more detail below, securing tabs340 and 346 and minor divider panels 320 and 328 at least partiallydefine rectangular container slots, and having length L₁ substantiallyequal to width W₃ facilitates ensuring the internal divider insertremains securely positioned within carrier portion 200.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an internal divider insert 400 formed(in erected position) from second blank 300 of sheet material (shown inFIG. 6). In the example embodiment, internal divider insert 400 isformed by folding minor divider panels 320, 322, 324, 326, and 328 aboutfold lines 330, 332, 334, and 336 in a serpentine pattern. Morespecifically, second minor divider panel 322 is rotated outwardly aboutfold line 330 by about 90°, third minor divider panel 324 is rotatedinwardly about fold line 332 by about 90°, fourth minor divider panel326 is rotated inwardly about fold line 334 by about 90°, and fifthminor divider panel 328 is rotated outwardly about fold line 336 byabout 90°. Folding minor divider panels 320, 322, 324, 326, and 328about fold lines 330, 332, 334, and 336 in the serpentine patternfacilitates moving first and second securing tabs 340 and 346 outwardfrom cut lines 338 and 334, respectively. As such, first securing tab340 is substantially parallel with first minor divider panel 320, andsecond securing tab 346 is substantially parallel with fifth minordivider panel 328. Moreover, second minor divider panel 322 extendssubstantially perpendicularly from first securing tab 340, and fourthminor divider panel 326 extends substantially perpendicularly fromsecond securing tab 346.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example carrier assembly 500, FIG. 8is an alternative view of carrier assembly 500, FIG. 9 is an enlargedperspective view of a portion of carrier assembly 500, and FIG. 10 is analternative enlarged perspective view of another portion of carrierassembly 500. In the example embodiment, carrier assembly 500 includesinternal divider insert 400 positioned within internal cavity 214 ofcarrier portion 200. Internal divider insert 400 is positioned withininternal cavity 214 of carrier portion 200 such that a plurality ofcarton insertion slots are defined therein. More specifically, a firstcarton insertion slot 502, a second carton insertion slot 504, and athird carton insertion slot 506 are defined within internal cavity 214.First carton insertion slot 502 is defined by side wall 204, first minordivider panel 320, second minor divider panel 322, and first securingtab 340. Second carton insertion slot 504 is defined by side wall 206and minor dividing panels 322, 324, and 326. Third carton insertion slot506 is defined by side wall 208, fourth minor divider panel 326, fifthminor divider panel 328, and second securing tab 346.

In one embodiment, a height of internal divider insert 400 is selectedsuch that at least a portion of a carton positioned within one of thecarton insertion slots protrudes beyond top edge 350. For example,internal divider insert 400 has a height such that a gap 508 is definedbetween top edge 350 and fold line 64 when internal divider insert 400is coupled to bottom wall 210. As such, the height of internal dividerinsert 400 is selected to enable the portion of the carton protrudingbeyond top edge 350 to be easily grippable by a consumer.

Referring to FIG. 8-10, first and fifth minor divider panels 320 and 328and first and second securing tabs 340 and 346 ensure internal dividerinsert 400 remains securely coupled within carrier portion 200. Morespecifically, internal divider insert 400 is folded in the serpentinepattern such that first divider panel 320 extends along side wall 206 tocouple side edge 316 to side wall 204, such that first securing tab 340extends along side wall 202 to couple side edge 352 to joining tab 20,such that fifth divider panel 328 extends along side wall 206 to coupleside edge 318 to side wall 208, and such that second securing tab 346extends along side wall 202 to couple side edge 354 to side wall 208. Asdescribed above, length L₁ of securing tabs 340 and 346 aresubstantially equal to width W₃ of divider panels 320 and 328. As such,coupling side edges 316, 318, 352, and 354 to respective side walls 204,208, and joining tab 20 facilitates maintaining the cross-sectionalshape of carton insertion slots 502, 504, and 506.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of carrier assembly 500 including examplecartons 510 loaded therein. In the example embodiment, cartons 510 areinserted within first and third insertion slots 502 and 506. Moreover,widths W₃, W₄, and W₅ of minor divider panels 320, 322, 324, 326, and328 are selected to ensure cartons 510 are securely positioned withininsertion slots 502, 504, and 506. As such, damage to products containedwithin cartons 510 is reduced during shipment and transport thereof. Inan alternative embodiment, internal divider insert 400 is omitted fromcarrier portion 200 such that a larger carton than cartons 510 can bepositioned within internal cavity 214.

Moreover, carrier portion 200 is sized such that internal cavity 214 iscapable of receiving one or more cartons 510 therein. As shown in FIG.11, carrier portion 200 is sized such that internal cavity 214 iscapable of receiving three cartons 510 therein. In an alternativeembodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a carrier portion is sized toreceive a single carton 510 therein, which enables internal dividerinsert 400 to be omitted from the carrier portion. In such anembodiment, the dimensions of a shipping container portion formed fromblanks 800 and 900 (shown in FIGS. 14 and 15) are modified (i.e.,reduced) correspondingly to ensure the carrier portion, without internaldivider insert 400, is securely housed within the shipping containerportion during transport.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of an example container assembly 600 formedfrom at least the blanks 10 and 300 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 5). In theexample embodiment, container assembly 600 includes a shipping containerportion 602 sized to receive carrier assembly 500. More specifically,shipping container portion 602 has side walls 604 and a plurality ofthermal insulation panels 606 disposed adjacent to side walls 604.Thermal insulation panels 606 define a thermally insulating cavity 608sized to receive carrier assembly 500. Moreover, thermally insulatingcavity 608 is sized such that when carrier assembly 500 is positionedtherein, at least one cooling insert channel (not shown) is definedbetween carrier assembly 500 and thermal insulation panels 606. As such,a plurality of cooling inserts 610, such as ice packs, are positionedwithin the cooling insert channel to facilitate maintaining thetemperature of temperature-products contained in cartons 510 (shown inFIG. 11) during shipment and transport. Container assembly 600 also hasa protective insert 612 positioned between carrier assembly 500 andcooling inserts 610, a top thermal insulation panel 614, and a bottomthermal insulation panel 616. In the example embodiment, protectiveinserts 612 are formed from a laminated foam material having a thicknessof at least about 0.25 inch (0.635 centimeter). Protective inserts 612facilitate thermally insulating carrier portion 200, and facilitateprotecting markings on carrier assembly 500 from erosive wear, such asfrom condensation forming on cooling inserts 610 when heated duringtransport. Moreover, thermal insulation panels 606, 614, and 616 arefabricated from a thermally insulating foam material having a thicknessof at least about 1.0 inch (2.54 cm). In some examples, one or more ofthe thermal insulation panels, such as top thermal insulation panel 614,may include any suitable gripping features, such as notches, cutouts,tabs, and/or pulls to facilitate removal and access to carrier portion500.

In the example embodiment, the materials and the dimensions of thermalinsulation panels 606, 614, and 616 are selected to facilitatemaintaining a temperature within thermally insulating cavity 608 withina predefined temperature range for a predetermined duration. Morespecifically, the materials and dimensions are selected such that thetemperature within thermally insulating cavity 608 is maintained at atemperature below about 8° C. and, more specifically, within a rangebetween about 8° C. and about 2° C., for a duration of at least about 48hours to ensure the products contained within container portion 200remain viable during shipping, for example.

For example, in one test run, container assembly 600 was formed andsubjected to fluctuating ambient temperatures within a range betweenabout 19° C. and about −5° C. for 48 hours. Over the course of the 48hours, the temperature within thermally insulating cavity 608 wasmaintained within a range between about 8° C. and about 3° C. In anothertest run, container assembly 600 was formed and subjected to fluctuatingambient temperatures within a range between about 10° C. and about 31°C. for 48 hours. Over the course of the 48 hours, the temperature withinthermally insulating cavity was maintained within a range between about3° C. and about 7° C.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary series of process steps for assemblingcontainer assembly 600. In the example embodiment, container assembly600 is assembled by positioning a plurality of cooling inserts 610within thermally insulating cavity 608 in a first process step 702.Cooling inserts 610 are positioned on opposing sides of thermallyinsulating cavity 608 to facilitate evenly distributing cooling tocarrier assembly 500 when inserted therein. Protective inserts 612 arepositioned within thermally insulating cavity 608 and coupled to coolinginserts 610 in a second process step 704. Protective inserts 612 arespaced a distance from each other such that a carrier insertion slot 618is defined therebetween. Carrier assembly 500 is positioned withinthermally insulating cavity 608 and, more specifically, is insertedwithin carrier insertion slot 618 in a third process step 706. Finally,top thermal insulation panel 614 is inserted within shipping containerportion 602 in a fourth process step 708 such that carrier assembly 500is thermally insulated on all sides.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are top plan views of a second blank 800 and a thirdblank 900 of sheet material for forming carrier portions of an examplecontainer assembly. Second and third blanks 800 and 900 have a first orexterior surface 812, and an opposing second or interior surface 814.Further, second blank 800 defines a leading edge 816 and an opposingtrailing edge 818. Moreover, second and third blanks 800 and 900include, from leading edge 816 to trailing edge 818, a joining tab 820,a first major side panel 822, a first minor side panel 824, a secondmajor side panel 826, and a second minor side panel 828 coupled togetheralong preformed, generally parallel fold lines.

Second and third blanks 800 and 900 include a plurality of bottom panelsand/or bottom flaps for forming a bottom wall of the carrier portion.For example, first major side panel 822 has a first bottom panel 838extending therefrom, first minor side panel 824 has a first bottom flap842 extending therefrom, second major side panel 826 has a second bottompanel 846 extending therefrom, and second minor side panel 828 has asecond bottom flap 850 extending therefrom.

Second and third blanks 800 and 900 also include a plurality of toppanels and/or top flaps for forming a top wall of the carrier portion.For example, first major side panel 822 has a first top panel 854extending therefrom, first minor side panel 824 has a first top flap 858extending therefrom, second major side panel 826 has a second top panel862 extending therefrom, and second minor side panel 828 has a secondtop flap 866 extending therefrom. Moreover, in one embodiment, first toppanel 854 has a first handle panel 870 extending therefrom, and secondtop panel 862 has a second handle panel 874 extending therefrom.Referring to FIG. 14, first handle panel 870 includes a handle cutout878, and second handle panel 874 has a handle flap 880 defined thereinby a partial cut line 882. As such, handle flap 880 remains coupled tosecond handle panel 874 along a fold line 884. In contrast, referring toFIG. 15, first handle panel 870 has a first handle cutout 978, andsecond handle panel 874 has a second handle cutout 980.

Blanks 800 and 900 form carrier portions sized to receive a singlecarton 510 therein, which enables internal divider insert 400 to beomitted from the carrier portion. As described above, the dimensions ofblanks 800 and 900 are modified for receiving the single carton, asopposed to three cartons. For example, blanks 800 and 900 havesubstantially the same height as blank 10 (shown in FIG. 1), and majorside panels 822 and 826 have a sixth width W₆, and minor side panels 824and 828 have second width W₂ less than sixth width W₆. Sixth width W₆ issmaller than first width W₁ such that the carrier portions formed fromblanks 800 and 900 securely house product-containing cartons duringtransport.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an example patient computing environment1000 used in combination with carrier portion 200 for tracking patientadherence to a prescribed drug treatment regimen. In some embodiments,shipping container portion 602 (shown in FIG. 12) may contain carrierportion 200, which may contain one or more of the same or differentcartons of a pharmaceutical product (i.e., a medication). The medicationmay be intended for taking by a patient, and may be in any suitable form(e.g., pills, injectable liquid, transdermal patches, etc) and housed inany suitable vessels (e.g., vials, bottles, injectors, syringes, etc).As such, in one embodiment, patient computing environment 1000 isconfigured to interact with and/or communicate with carrier portion 200and facilitate ensuring patient compliance with a treatment regimen.

In the example embodiment, patient computing environment 1000 includespatient adherence system 218 and label/marking 220, which are associatedwith carrier portion 200 (shown in FIG. 4) and, in some embodiments, areincluded on carrier portion 200. Patient computing environment 1000 alsoincludes a patient monitoring system 1002 for gathering and analyzingpatient compliance data. More specifically, patient monitoring system1002 includes a remote device 1004 (i.e., a smart phone, a tablet, awearable device, or a laptop), a patient application 1006 installed onremote device 1004, and a server system 1008 having a memory and aprocessor (not shown).

As described above, patient adherence system 218 includes one or morelabels/markings 220 that contain identifying data associated with eachmedication dose of the drug product shipped inside carrier portion 200.In one embodiment, label/marking 220 is a scannable marking such as, butnot limited to, a quick response (QR) code and/or a bar code. Inoperation, the patient scans, with remote device 1004, the scannablelabel/marking 220 associated with a medication dose that is to beadministered. The patient scans label/marking 220 each time the patienttakes the medication dose. The QR code or the bar code contains data,such as the type of medication taken, or a lot or batch number of themedication taken. Patient application 1006 then transmits the datacontained in the QR code or the bar code to server system 1008 forfurther analysis, as will be described in more detail below.

Alternatively, the patient can take a picture of an identifying markingassociated with the medication dose that has been taken, and the picturecan be transmitted to server system 1008 via patient application 1006 onremote device 1004. Alternatively, patient application 1006 can have auser interface that enables the patient to manually input identifyinginformation associated with the medication dose that has been taken. Theidentifying information can then be transmitted to server system 1008.

The QR code or the bar code may also contain data relating to thepatient that has taken the medication. The data may be de-identifieddata, which includes anonymized data that does not identify theparticular patient for legal or other reasons, or may be identifieddata, which includes non-anonymized data that does identify theparticular patient. For example, under national and/or regional patientprivacy regulations such as the United States Health InsurancePortability and Accountability Act of 1996, only certain coveredentities may be authorized to view identified patient protected healthinformation (PHI) data.

Moreover, in some embodiments, server system 1008 may store usercomputing device identifiers, user identifiers, geographic identifiersassociated with users, and transaction and shopping data associated withusers, without including sensitive personal information, also known aspersonally identifiable information or PII, in order to ensure theprivacy of individuals associated with the stored data. Personallyidentifiable information may include any information capable ofidentifying an individual. For privacy and security reasons, personallyidentifiable information may be withheld and only secondary identifiersmay be used. For example, data received by server system 1008 mayidentify user “John Smith” as user “ZYX123” without any method ofdetermining the actual name of user “ZYX123”. In some examples whereprivacy and security can otherwise be ensured (e.g., via encryption andstorage security), or where individuals consent, personally identifiableinformation may be received and used by server system 1008. In suchexamples, personally identifiable information may be needed to reportsabout groups of users. In situations in which the systems discussedherein collect personal information about individuals, or may make useof such personal information, the individuals may be provided with anopportunity to control whether such information is collected or tocontrol whether and/or how such information is used. In addition,certain data may be processed in one or more ways before it is stored orused, so that personally identifiable information is removed. Forexample, an individual's identity may be processed so that no personallyidentifiable information can be determined for the individual, or anindividual's geographic location may be generalized where location datais obtained (such as to a city, ZIP code, or state level), so that aparticular location of an individual cannot be determined.

Once label/marking 220 has been scanned, patient application 1006transmits the data associated with label/marking 220 to server system1008. In one embodiment, the patient application transmits additionalinformation with the data, such as a time stamp of when the QR code orbar code was scanned (i.e., when the medication was taken). The combineddata may then be stored or processed in server system 1008, and can beused for one or more purposes. For example, the data may be used toschedule reminders for the patient to administer future doses of themedication. In one embodiment, the reminders are sent to the patient andreceived at patient application 1006.

Alternatively or additionally, the combined data is stored or processedin server system 1008 for analysis to determine an effect of adherenceto a specified treatment regimen on patient health outcomes. Forexample, in one embodiment, server system 1008 receives patient healthoutcome data for patient's taking the medication. Server system 1008then analyzes the patient health outcome data (i.e., the patient'sresponse to treatment), analyzes the adherence data (e.g., the type ofmedication taken and the timeliness of when medication taken), anddetermines the effect of adherence to or deviation from the specifiedtreatment regimen. For example, if deviation from the specifiedtreatment regimen results in an adverse patient health outcome, the datastored within server system 1008 can be used to form a remedialtreatment regimen.

This written description uses examples to disclose variousimplementations, including the best mode, and also to enable any personskilled in the art to practice the various implementations, includingmaking and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporatedmethods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by theclaims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled inthe art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of theclaims if they have structural elements that do not differ from theliteral language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structuralelements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of theclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A blank assembly comprising: a first blank forforming a carrier portion, the first blank comprising: a plurality ofside panels for forming side walls of the carrier portion, the pluralityof side panels comprising at least a first, second, third, and fourthside panel, and a joining tab, wherein the plurality of side panels atleast partially define a cavity of the carrier portion; and a secondblank for forming an internal divider insert, the second blankcomprising: two opposing side edges; a plurality of fold lines thatdefine a plurality of minor divider panels; and a cut line defined in atleast one of the minor divider panels to define a securing tabpositioned between the two side edges, wherein the plurality of minordivider panels are configured to fold about the plurality of fold linessuch that the securing tab moves outward from the cut line, wherein,when formed, the internal divider insert is positionable within thecavity of the carrier portion such that a carton insertion slot is atleast partially defined by the securing tab and at least one side wallof the carrier portion.
 2. The assembly in accordance with claim 1,wherein the plurality of minor divider panels comprises at least afirst, second, third, fourth, and fifth minor divider panel coupled inseries along the plurality of fold lines.
 3. The assembly in accordancewith claim 2 further comprising a first cut line defined in the secondminor divider panel to define a first securing tab that extends from afirst edge of the third minor divider panel, and a second cut linedefined in the fourth minor divider panel to define a second securingtab that extends from an opposing second edge of the third minor dividerpanel.
 4. The assembly in accordance with claim 3, wherein the pluralityof minor divider panels are configured to fold along the plurality offold lines in a serpentine pattern such that the first securing tab issubstantially parallel with the first minor divider panel, and such thatthe second securing tab is substantially parallel with the fifth minordivider panel when the internal divider insert is formed.
 5. Theassembly in accordance with claim 3, wherein the plurality of minordivider panels are configured to fold along the plurality of fold linesin a serpentine pattern such that the second and fourth minor dividerpanels extend perpendicularly from the first and second securing tabs.6. The assembly in accordance with claim 3, wherein the first securingtab is positioned a first distance from a top edge of the second blank,and the second securing tab is positioned a greater second distance fromthe top edge of the second blank.
 7. The assembly in accordance withclaim 1, wherein the first blank further comprises two opposing majortop panels, each major top panel comprising a handle opening configuredto substantially align when the major top panels couple to each other.8. A container assembly formed from a plurality of blanks of sheetmaterial, the container assembly comprising: a carrier portioncomprising a plurality of side walls and a bottom wall, wherein theplurality of side walls and the bottom wall at least partially define acavity of the carrier portion; and an internal divider insertcomprising: two opposing side edges; a plurality of fold lines thatdefine a plurality of minor divider panels; and a cut line defined in atleast one of the minor divider panels to define a securing tabpositioned between the two side edges, wherein the plurality of minordivider panels are folded along the plurality of fold lines such thatthe securing tab moves outward from the cut line, and wherein theinternal divider insert is positionable within the cavity of the carrierportion such that a carton insertion slot is at least partially definedby the securing tab and at least one side wall of the carrier portion.9. The assembly in accordance with claim 8, wherein the internal dividerinsert is folded along the plurality of fold lines such that the twoside edges of the internal divider insert couple to opposing side wallsof the carrier portion.
 10. The assembly in accordance with claim 9,wherein the internal divider insert is folded along the plurality offold lines such that a side edge of the securing tab couples to at leastone of the opposing side walls of the carrier portion.
 11. The assemblyin accordance with claim 8, wherein the internal divider insert isfolded along the plurality of fold lines in a serpentine pattern suchthat the at least one minor divider panel extends perpendicularly fromthe securing tab.
 12. The assembly in accordance with claim 8, whereinthe plurality of minor divider panels comprises at least a first,second, third, fourth, and fifth minor divider panel coupled in seriesalong the plurality of fold lines.
 13. The assembly in accordance withclaim 12, wherein the internal divider insert comprises a first cut linedefined in the second minor divider panel to define a first securing tabthat extends from a first edge of the third minor divider panel, and asecond cut line defined in the fourth minor divider panel to define asecond securing tab that extends from an opposing second edge of thethird minor divider panel.
 14. The assembly in accordance with claim 12,wherein the internal divider insert is folded along the plurality offold lines in a serpentine pattern such that a first carton insertionslot is at least partially defined between a first side wall of thecarrier portion and the second minor divider panel, such that a secondcarton insertion slot is at least partially defined between the secondand fourth minor divider panels, and such that a third carton insertionslot is at least partially defined between a second opposing side walland the fourth minor divider panel.
 15. The assembly in accordance withclaim 8 further comprising a patient adherence system associated withthe carrier portion, wherein the patient adherence system is configuredto facilitate patient compliance with a treatment regimen.
 16. Theassembly in accordance with claim 15, wherein the patient adherencesystem comprises a marking containing identifying data associated with amedication dosage.
 17. The assembly in accordance with claim 16, whereinthe marking is a scannable marking containing the identifying data,wherein, when scanned, the identifying data is configured to betransmitted to a server system.
 18. The assembly in accordance withclaim 8 further comprising a shipping container portion that comprises aplurality of thermal insulation panels that define a thermallyinsulating cavity sized to receive the carrier portion, wherein, whenthe carrier portion is positioned within the thermally insulatingcavity, at least one cooling insert channel extends between the carrierportion and the plurality of thermal insulation panels.
 19. A containerassembly formed from a plurality of blanks of sheet material, thecontainer assembly comprising: a carrier portion comprising a pluralityof side walls and a bottom wall, wherein the plurality of side walls andthe bottom wall at least partially define a cavity of the carrierportion; and a shipping container portion comprising: a plurality ofside walls and a bottom wall, wherein the plurality of side walls andthe bottom wall at least partially define a cavity of the shippingcontainer portion; and a plurality of thermal insulation panelspositioned within the cavity of the shipping container portion, theplurality of thermal insulation panels defining a thermally insulatingcavity sized to receive the carrier portion.
 20. The assembly inaccordance with claim 19, wherein the thermally insulating cavity issized such that, when the carrier portion is positioned within thethermally insulating cavity, at least one cooling insert channel extendsbetween the carrier portion and the plurality of thermal insulationpanels.
 21. The assembly in accordance with claim 19, wherein thecontainer portion further comprises two opposing major top walls, eachmajor top wall comprising a handle opening configured to substantiallyalign when the major top walls are folded outward and couple to eachother.
 22. The assembly in accordance with claim 19 further comprising apatient adherence system associated with the carrier portion, whereinthe patient adherence system is configured to facilitate patientcompliance with a treatment regimen.
 23. The assembly in accordance withclaim 22, wherein the patient adherence system comprises a markingcontaining identifying data associated with a medication dosage.
 24. Theassembly in accordance with claim 23, wherein the marking is a scannablemarking containing the identifying data, wherein, when scanned, theidentifying data is configured to be transmitted to a server system. 25.A method of forming a container assembly from a plurality of blanks ofsheet material, the method comprising: forming a carrier portion thatincludes: a plurality of side panels for forming side walls of thecarrier portion, the plurality of side panels comprising at least afirst, second, third, and fourth side panel, and a joining tab, whereinthe plurality of side panels at least partially define a cavity of thecarrier portion; and forming an internal divider insert that includes:two opposing side edges; a plurality of fold lines that define aplurality of minor divider panels; and a cut line defined in at leastone of the minor divider panels to define a securing tab positionedbetween the two side edges, wherein the plurality of minor dividerpanels are folded along the plurality of fold lines such that thesecuring tab moves outward from the cut line; and positioning theinternal divider insert within the cavity of the carrier portion suchthat a carton insertion slot is at least partially defined by thesecuring tab and at least one side wall of the carrier portion.
 26. Themethod in accordance with claim 25, wherein positioning the internaldivider insert comprises coupling the two side edges of the internaldivider insert to opposing side walls of the carrier portion.
 27. Themethod in accordance with claim 26, wherein positioning the internaldivider insert comprises coupling the securing tab to at least one ofthe opposing side walls of the carrier portion.
 28. The method inaccordance with claim 25, wherein forming an internal divider insertcomprises folding the plurality of minor divider panels along theplurality of fold lines such that at least a first, second, third,fourth, and fifth minor divider panel are coupled in series along theplurality of fold lines.